Utility-Scale Site Technician | Scunthorpe

With the UK government’s ambitious goal of delivering 60GW of solar power by 2030, Solar Careers UK are on a mission to help recruit, train, and place over 43,000 new professionals into rewarding careers within the solar and battery storage industry. Solar Careers UK is a division of Solar Energy UK, the trade association representing over 425 solar businesses across the country. Many of these companies specialise in delivering high-quality solar installations for domestic, commercial, and utility-scale projects.

Job description for site technicians working on ground mounted utility-scale solar installations sets out the key responsibilities of the role as well as the skills and qualifications expected. A solar PV utility-scale site technician is primarily responsible for the operation, maintenance, and performance optimisation of large-scale solar photovoltaic power plants. Their core duties include:

• Inspecting solar panels
• Conducting performance tests
• Troubleshooting and repairing electrical and mechanical faults
• Replacing faulty or outdated components
• Monitoring system performance to ensure the plant operates at maximum efficiency
• Maintaining detailed records of maintenance activities, system performance, and repairs
• Complying strictly with safety protocols and other site-specific health and safety regulations
• Overseeing contractors on-site and coordinating with other trades
• Providing training to junior staff or clients on system operation and maintenance procedures
• Managing site appearance, landscaping, and ensuring the readiness and accountability of tools and equipment

The role demands a strong technical background in electrical systems, familiarity with industry codes and standards, and the ability to use diagnostic tools for testing and troubleshooting. Solar PV utility-scale site technicians play a vital role in ensuring the reliability and longevity of solar assets, directly supporting the transition to renewable energy by maximising the output and uptime of utility-scale solar installations.

Responsibilities:

• Health and Safety: Understand and identify risks at site, follow company and site-specific risk assessment and method statements/statement of works, be aware of health and safety issues and report any on-site concerns to relevant managers.
• Maintenance Activities: Perform scheduled maintenance and corrective maintenance works for solar plants to ensure their successful ongoing operation.
• Site Responsibility: Take primary on-site responsibility for plant performance, work quality, site security and appearance, including electrical systems, basic landscaping and other elements.
• Coordination: Maintain regular contact with all relevant planners, managers and supervisors to co-ordinate site works effectively and seek guidance where needed.
• Collaborate with other site technicians to resolve tasks and provide necessary information to all relevant planners, managers and supervisors in a professional, complete, and timely manner.
• Liaise with internal and external parties such as in-house low voltage (LV), high voltage (HV) and ground maintenance teams, sub-contractors, and other third parties as directed.
• Undertake all required training and development opportunities professionally and diligently.
• Must be able to travel to site as required with all necessary tools and equipment.

Requirements:

• Experience of installation and maintenance of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, ideally at utility-scale level.
• Experience of network diagnostics and remote communications experience.
• Familiarity with earthing systems including measuring and monitoring relays.
• Understanding of central/string inverters.
• Excellent computer skills with a high degree of proficiency in common Microsoft applications (including Excel) as well as performance monitoring software.
• Knowledge of power electronics and circuitry, power generation technologies and equipment.
• Understanding of CCTV systems.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

Qualifications:

• Essential: Level 3 Award in an Electrical, Mechanical or Engineering discipline, including AM2 end-point assessment.
• Level 3 BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations (current edition).
• Apprenticeship in Electrical Installation, or equivalent.
• Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Gold Card.

Desirable:

• Level 3 Award in Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations.
• Qualifications or training in relevant solar PV inverter technologies.
• Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) certification.

New entrants typically will require GCSEs or equivalent in Maths and English and completion of a recognised apprenticeship (or vocational training programme). The typical pathway for an experienced electrician to become a utility-scale site technician is to achieve a relevant level 3 qualification. Minimum entry requirements include a UK driving licence and UK electrician’s certification (e.g. Level 3 NVQ Award in the Requirements for electrical installation BS7671).

In addition to salary, other benefits might include a company vehicle, overtime, performance bonuses, holiday allowance and support with further skills development.

Here at Solar Careers UK we look forward to receiving your application as a first step toward joining our vibrant solar industry.